Exploration and Research on a New Model for Early Lung Cancer Screening

Abstract

Objective: To explore scientifically feasible management models and methods for the assessment, screening, early diagnosis, and early treatment of individuals at high risk for lung cancer. Methods: Seven communities within the Jinyinshan area of our city, namely Xiliuwan, Ligongxiang, Huxingshan, Zhushan, Xiufeng, Jinyinshan, and Sanyantang, were selected as the screening regions for this project. The screening methods followed the “Technical Plan for Lung Cancer Screening in Hunan Province (2021 Edition)”, involving low-dose spiral computed tomography (CT) and carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) testing for clinical screening of high-risk individuals. The positive screening rate and lung cancer positive rate were calculated, and positive cases were subjected to stratified management and treatment. Results: From January 1, 2024, to December 31, 2024, a total of 2,626 individuals completed questionnaires, including 1,625 males and 1,001 females. Among them, 681 individuals were identified as being at high risk for lung cancer, accounting for 25.93% of the total screened population, with 456 males (66.96%) and 225 females (33.04%). The detection rate of suspected lung cancer was higher with combined testing (3.00%) compared to CT alone (2.00%) or CEA alone (1.60%), suggesting that combined testing improves diagnostic accuracy. A total of 500 cases underwent low-dose spiral CT combined with CEA testing, with 15 suspected cases of lung cancer identified, resulting in a detection rate of 2.20%. Conclusion: Early screening for lung cancer facilitates early detection, diagnosis, and treatment, reduces incidence and mortality rates, improves patients’ quality of life, and alleviates societal burdens.